Symptoms

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is so named because its signs and symptoms affect multiple parts of your body. Previously called Shy-Drager syndrome, MSA is classified by two types: parkinsonian and cerebellar, depending on which types of symptoms predominate at the time of evaluation.

Parkinsonian type

Predominant signs and symptoms are those of Parkinson's disease, such as:

Rigid muscles and difficulty bending your arms and legs

Slow movement (bradykinesia)

Tremors (rare in MSA compared with classic Parkinson's disease)

Impaired posture and balance

Cerebellar type

Predominant signs and symptoms are lack of muscle coordination (ataxia). Signs and symptoms may include:

Impairment of movement and coordination, such as unsteady gait and loss of balance

Slurred, slow or low-volume speech (dysarthria)

Visual disturbances, such as blurred or double vision and difficulty focusing your eyes

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or chewing

General signs and symptoms

In addition, the primary sign of multiple system atrophy is:

Postural (orthostatic) hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that makes you feel dizzy or lightheaded, or even faint, when you stand up from sitting or lying down.

You also can develop dangerously high blood pressure levels while lying down.

People with multiple system atrophy may have other difficulties with body functions that occur involuntarily (autonomic), including:

Urinary and bowel dysfunction

Constipation

Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence)

Sweating abnormalities

A reduction in the production of perspiration, tears and saliva

Impaired control of body temperature, often causing cold hands or feet as well as heat intolerance due to impaired sweating

Sleep disorders

Agitated sleep due to "acting out" one's dreams

Abnormal breathing at night

Sexual dysfunction

Inability to achieve or maintain an erection (impotence)

Loss of libido

Cardiovascular problems

Irregular heartbeat

Psychiatric problems

Difficulty controlling emotions

When to see a doctor

If you develop any of the signs and symptoms associated with multiple system atrophy, see your doctor for an evaluation and diagnosis. If you've already been diagnosed with the condition, contact your doctor if new symptoms occur or if existing symptoms worsen.

Legal Conditions and Terms

Reprint Permissions

A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.